סָגַד (sa.gad)
sa.gad
to prostrate
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sagad describes the physical act of prostrating oneself, typically as a gesture of deep reverence or worship. It involves lowering the body to the ground, often face down, in submission before a superior presence. This posture signifies humility and recognition of authority, serving as a universal bodily language for adoration in the ancient Near East.
Although it appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, its usage is concentrated in Isaiah, where it underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God’s glory. In these contexts, the act is not merely ceremonial but reflects a profound internal posture of surrender. The word connects physically to the concept of bowing low, distinguishing the full prostration from simpler bows or stands.
Its Aramaic cognate, segid, carries a similar sense of doing homage, highlighting the consistency of this gesture across Semitic languages. Translators often render sagad as "worship" or "bow down," capturing both the physical movement and the spiritual intent behind it. The rarity of the word in Scripture emphasizes its weight; when it appears, it marks moments of intense divine encounter.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sagad describes the full physical act of prostration, where one lowers their entire body to the ground. In the ancient world, this was not a casual bow but a total surrender of self before someone greater. When you see this posture in Scripture, it signals a moment of profound recognition that God is worthy of our complete attention and humility.
Isaiah uses this word to contrast true worship with empty idolatry. In Isaiah 44, people make idols from wood they burned for warmth, yet still bow down to them. This highlights that worship is about the heart's orientation, not just the movement of the body. We are invited to offer our full selves to God, who alone deserves such reverence.
When life feels chaotic or uncertain, this image reminds us that true peace comes from surrendering control. It is an invitation to rest in the reality that God is sovereign and good. You can approach Him with honesty, knowing He welcomes your humble heart more than perfect rituals.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will I prostrate myself?1×
- to/ it1×
- they prostrate themselves1×
- he prostrates himself1×
- and/ he prostrated himself1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ל֤/וֹ1×
- יִסְגָּד1×
- יִסְגְּד֖וּ1×
- וַ/יִּסְגָּד\־1×
- אֶסְגּֽוֹד\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 44:15
Then it will be for a man to burn; and he takes some of it and warms himself. Yes, he burns it and bakes bread. Yes, he makes a god and worships it; he makes it a carved image, and falls down to it.
This verse shows the irony of using wood for survival and then prostrating before the very object created from it, highlighting the absurdity of false worship.
-
Isaiah 44:17
The rest of it he makes into a god, even his engraved image. He bows down to it and worships, and prays to it, and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god!”
Here the act of falling down is paired with prayer, revealing how idolaters mistakenly attribute divine power to a man-made image.
-
Isaiah 46:6
Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down— yes, they worship.
The phrase 'they fall down' underscores the physical commitment of idolaters who invest great resources only to bow before something they crafted themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word sagad mean?
How is sagad different from other words for bowing?
Why does Isaiah use this word so much?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Isaiah 4 verses
Then it will be for a man to burn; and he takes some of it and warms himself. Yes, he burns it and bakes bread. Yes, he…
Isaiah 44:17The rest of it he makes into a god, even his engraved image. He bows down to it and worships, and prays to it, and…
Isaiah 44:19No one thinks, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, “I have burned part of it in the fire. Yes, I have…
Isaiah 46:6Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They…